Tag Archives: James Taylor

There is good news for fans of ABC’s classic family drama The Wonder Years.

Time Life Entertainment has announced that it will re-issue the series in a complete series box set next month. It is currently slated to be released Tuesday, August 23rd and will retail for MSRP of $119.95. The new re-issue will feature all 115 episodes of the six-season series spread across 22 discs and 12 hours of new bonus material. Those bonus features include: highlights from the cast’s first reunion in 16 years, a farewell set tour, Exclusive interviews and more. It also features all of the songs originally used in the series’ 5 year, six season run including: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Joe Cocker, and many others. The series’ soundtrack in total comes to 300 songs.

Over the course of its six seasons on the air, The Wonder Years was one of television’s most popular series. It earned a spot on Neilsen’s Top 30 in four of those seasons. It earned an Emmy® for “Best Comedy Series,” and at age 13 lead actor Fred Savage became the youngest actor ever nominated for “Outstanding Lead Actor For A Comedy Series.” The series would eventually go on to earn a total of 24 awards and be nominate for 70 more. Those nominations and wins included: Emmy® Awards, A Golden Globe®, and in 1989 a Peabody® Award for pushing the boundaries of the sitcom format and using what were then new methods of storytelling. Even after the show ended its run, its impact was still being felt. In 1997 “My Father’s Office” was ranked #29 on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time. The series’ pilot episode was ranked #43 on that same list.

The Wonder Years: The Complete Series will be released in stores and online on Tuesday, August 23rd via Time Life Entertainment. It will retail for MSRP of $119.95. More information on this and other titles from Time Life Entertainment is available online now at:

Shout! Factory will release a very special tribute to music legend Paul McCartney this spring.

Courtesy: Shout! Factory

A MusiCares Tribute to Paul McCartney will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday, March 24th. The concert was originally recorded on February 10th, 2012. It was part of a celebration honoring McCartney as the MusiCares® Person of the Year. The concert featured a who’s who of the music industry including: Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Norah Jones, Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Alison Kraus & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Duane Eddy, Sergio Mendes, and the cast of the Broadway play “Love.” McCartney himself even performed, pulling out hits such as ‘Magical Mystery Tour,’ ‘Junior’s Farm, ‘My Valentine,’ and a medley of tunes that included renditions of ‘Golden Slumbers,’ ‘Carry That Weight,’ and ‘The End.’ McCartney was joined by Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl and Joe Walsh (The Eagles, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band). The concert’s set list totaled fifteen songs.

A MusiCares Tribute to Paul McCartney will retail for MSRP of $16.98 on DVD and $21.98 on Blu-ray. It can be pre-ordered direct from Shout! Factory’s online store for reduced prices of $14.98 (DVD) and $17.98 (Blu-ray) respectively at https://www.shoutfactory.com/music/rock-pop/a-musicares-tribute-to-paul-mccartney. Proceeds from sales of the recording will go towards providing essential support for MusiCares®, which helps those in need.

Paul McCartney is an 18-time Grammy® winner. His career spans more than three decades and includes a multitude of songs recorded with The Beatles, Wings, and as a solo artist. His most recent album was 2013’s New. McCartney is a freeman of the City of Liverpool and Lead Patron of The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. In 1995, McCartney was named Fellow of The Royal College of Music by the Prince of Wales. And in 1996, he was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for his services to music. He is also committed to various charities including: PETA, LIPA, One Voice, The Vegetarian Society, Nordoff Robbins, and Adopt-A-Mine-Field.

More information on A MusiCares Tribute To Paul McCartney and other releases from Shout! Factory is available online at:

Kevin, Paul, Winnie and the rest of the characters from ABC’s beloved classic drama The Wonder Years are coming back.

StarVista Entertainment announced Monday that it will release the complete second season of The Wonder Years on DVD on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015. The series’ second season consists of seventeen half-hour episodes spread across four discs. Also included in the upcoming second season set are a number of bonuses for fans. There are also more than four dozen classic songs from artists such as: Bob Dylan, Carol King, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Cream, Bing Crosby, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel, Traffic, Diana Ross and the Supremes, James Taylor, Nat King Cole, The Miracles, Judy Collins, Donovan, and a number of others. The full list of songs and artists featured in season Two is noted below.

“Heart of Darkness”

You Make Me Feel So Young

Sunshine of Your Love-Cream

“Our Miss White”

Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)-The Temptations

The Times They Are A-Changin’-Bob Dylan

“Christmas”

Jingle Bell Rock-Instrumental

White Christmas-Bing Crosby

River-Joni Mitchell

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Instrumental

“Steady as She Goes”

Yellow Bird-On-Screen Character Performance

Somewhere-On-Screen Character Performance

Ooo Baby Baby-The Miracles

The Thrill Is Gone-B.B. King

Will You Love Me Tomorrow-Carole King

“Just between Me and You and Kirk and Paul and Carla and Becky”

I Am a Rock-Simon & Garfunkel

Someday We’ll Be Together-Diana Ross and the Supremes

Some Enchanted Evening-On-Screen Character Performance

“Pottery Will Get You Nowhere”

It’s Not Unusual

When I Fall in Love-Nat King Cole

“Hiroshima, Mon Frère”

Wild Thing-The Troggs

Brother, Brother-Carole King

“Loosiers”

You’ve Got a Friend-James Taylor

Sweet Georgia Brown-Brother Bones

“Walk Out”

I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man-Muddy Waters

The Tracks of My Tears-The Miracles

I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die-Rag-Country Joe and the Fish

Give Peace A Chance-On-Screen Character Performance

“Nemesis”

My Girl-The Temptations

Theme from The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

“Fate”

Born under a Bad Sign-Cream

Respect-Aretha Franklin

“Birthday Boy”

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby-The Tune Weavers

Bookends-Simon & Garfunkel

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy-On-Screen Character Performance

Hava Nagila-Karmon Israeli Singers

“Brightwing”

Subterranean Homesick Blues-Bob Dylan

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida-Iron Butterfly

You Can All Join In-Traffic

Catch the Wind-Donovan

“Square Dance”

Star Flicker-Houston Ramblers

Turkey In The Straw-Ralph Pierce

Comin’ round the Mountain-The Sundowners Band

“Whose Woods Are These?”

Happy Days Are Here Again-The Banjo Barons

In My Life-Judy Collins

“How I’m Spending My Summer Vacation”

The Theme from “A Summer Place”-Percy Faith and His Orchestra

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes-The Platters

Never on Sunday-The Chordettes

I Only Have Eyes for You-The Flamingos

La Vie En Rose-Edith Piaf

Scarborough Fair/Canticle-Simon & Garfunkel

The second season of The Wonder Years sees Kevin, his friends, and his family all grow together as throughout all of the turmoil of the age. Kevin’s personal growth comes as he starts standing up to his older brother Wayne (Jason Hervey) and as he takes part in a class walkout to protest the Vietnam War. He, Paul (Josh Saviano), and Winnie (Danica McKellar) also fight to stop developers from plowing over Harper Woods, where the trio shared many of their favorite childhood memories.

The bonus materials included on the upcoming Season 2 box set are noted below.

The Wonder Years: Season Two will retail for MSRP of $39.95. More information on the box set’s upcoming release and other titles from Star Vista Entertainment and Time Life Entertainment is available online at:

Austin, Texas. Seattle, Washington. Los Angeles, California. Atlanta, Georgia. New York, New York. Most people reading this right now are likely scratching their heads where this is going. The answer is simple. The cities noted here are some of America’s biggest hotbeds in the music industry. They aren’t the industry’s only major hotbeds, though. Most people might not know it, but North Carolina as a whole state is a music hotbed within itself. As a matter of fact, North Carolina could be argued to be one of the biggest musical hotbeds in America. That’s because of the variety of major name acts that have called North Carolina home throughout the ages. Jazz pioneers such as Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Max Roach all called North Carolina home as did fellow jazz great Billy Taylor. Taylor hailed from Greenville, North Carolina while Monk and Coletrane came from Rocky Mount and High Point respectively. The Fabulous Corsairs, which featured famed singer-songwriter James Taylor called Chapel Hill home. In terms of the world of rock, the world renowned Corrosion of Conformity is still performing and recording today. As a matter of fact, COC released its latest album earlier this year. The band calls The Old North State’s capital city Raleigh home. Delta Rae, which is one of the biggest of North Carolina’s biggest acts today calls Durham home as does indie band Bombadil. Of course one can’t forget the likes of The Avett Brothers, Parmalee, Between The Buried and Me, or Trioscapes among so many others. Now another young up and coming band has added its name to that list of bands and artists that have made North Carolina the rich musical hotbed that it is for so many decades thanks to its new EP Defined. The band’s debut for Pavement Entertainment presents great potential for the Winston-Salem based band even with only a total of five songs. The songs included on this record exhibit influence from bands such as Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and to a lesser extent Trapt. What’s more any of the songs included on this disc could easily be used as a single to promote the band. That is obvious right off the top in the EP’s opening number ‘Anymore.’ It is just as obvious on the EP’s third and final songs, ‘Hold On’ and ‘By Myself’ respectively.’ ‘Best Of’ and ‘Growing Colder’ are also excellent examples of what audiences can expect from Adage’s new EP. Collectively, the songs included on this record show Adage as a band that is on the brink of adding its name to the list of North Carolina’s biggest bands and artists.

The members of Adage show why the band is close to becoming another of North Carolina’s most well-known and talked about acts right from the outset of its new EP in the song ‘Anymore’ The song’s agro-rock stlye sound hints at influences both from the likes of Trapt and even Taproot to a slightly lesser extent. Drummer Alex Hough’s timekeeping in this piece is exception especially considering the polyrhythmic patterns that he handles while keeping time for the band. And the 1-2 punch of guitarist Luke and vocalist Justin Doyle heightens the song’s energy and emotion as well. There is a certain furiousness in Doyle’s voice as he sings over the equally driving guitar line, “Everytime you look in my eyes you lie/And tell me everything’s alright/I know you don’t feel it anymore…I hate you/For all you’ve done to me/Some things you never see/And I don’t care.” Songs about breakups are nothing new to the music industry. They go back as far as the industry’s own beginnings it would seem. But those songs that take the high road instead of the depression oh-woe-is-me angle are rather few and far between. So when angrier, more aggressive pieces such as this one come along, they are a welcome change of pace. That more aggressive lyrical and musical style that collectively make up this song makes it an instant radio ready song and a good representation of the band’s work on Defined.

As with ‘Anymore,’ ‘Hold On’ is also centered in the standard lyrical theme of relationships. It also boasts the same agro-rock style that made so many bands in the late 90s and early 2000s fan favorites. This song absolutely cries “LIVE” because of that sound. Doyle sings Sorry that I’m not perfect/One day I will be worth it/To you/So hold on/I can’t ever find the right words/For saying nothing is so much worse to you/Hold on/All of this will come together/And I promise you/I promise you/Say goodbye for you.” This song comes across as the polar opposite to the EP’s opener in that it seems more like his subject here is pleading for a woman to stay around versus the self-assured figure in ‘Anymore.’ He is trying his hardest to convince her to stay. The musical comparison to the band’s bigger named counterparts only serves to make the song even more entertaining for audiences. It goes to show the caliber of material the band is presenting here. And that caliber is high, needless to say. Together with ‘Anymore’ it makes for even more reason for fans to check out this EP when it drops August 19th.

Both ‘Anymore’ and ‘Hold On’ are good examples of what makes Defined an impressive new release from Adage. Of the EP’s five songs, though there is still one more example of what makes this release the work that could potentially make Adage North Carolina’s next big name. That song is the EP’s closer ‘By Myself.’ This song is a good way for the band to have closed out Defined. It was such a good choice for a closer in that it shows the band’s softer side. It’s a more melodic piece. And among the EP’s five songs, it is perhaps the strongest candidate of all for the song that really breaks out the band. Doyle sings in this song, “I’m crying out/Out for help/I just can’t be by myself/Remember how/How I felt/I just can’t see/By myself/I hear it from all sides/On how I should love you/I can’t make up my mind/On anything I do/Why am I here/Why won’t you just take me home/Why am I here/Why won’t you just leave me alone.” The guitar breaks that follow the chorus are right up there with the likes of Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge) and other top named guitarists. That along with the power in Doyle’s vocals make this song just as fitting a closer as ‘Anymore’ is the opener for the record. Such a powerful final statement along with the EP’s other noted songs (and the pair not mentioned) seals the deal for Adage and for Defined. It is the final piece of musical evidence proving why Adage is on the verge of becoming North Carolina’s next big name.

Defined will be available in stores and online Tuesday, August 19th via Pavement Entertainment. Audiences can check out the songs from Defined online now via Adage’s ReverbNation website at http://www.reverbnation.com/adageband while they wait for the EP to drop. They can also keep up with the band’s latest tour dates through that website and the band’s official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/adageband1. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Shooter Jennings is one of the most underrated individuals in the music industry today. The son of music royalty, Jennings has made his own identity throughout his career, making music the way that he has wanted. The result is two impressive modern country albums and an equally impressive and brave experiment in the form of his previous record, Black Ribbons. When Jennings released Black Ribbons, the initial reaction was mixed. But it showed his versatility and thus not only kept most of his audience, but also brought in a whole new faction of fans. Now on his most recent release, Family Man, Jennings has shown just as much versatility.

Family Man bears little resemblance, if any, to Shooter Jennings’ previous recordings. Its opener, ‘The Real Me’ is classic outlaw country with a touch of blues mixed in. Lyrically, it’s classic Shooter right along the lines of fellow outlaw country artists Hank Williams Jr., and Hank III. The song’s chorus is the best evidence of that. He sings in the song’s chorus, “I’m a double-talkin’/Chicken-lickin’/Meaner than the Dickens/Sick and wicked/Hole-diggin’, pickin’/Son of a gun/And I’ll love you like the devil/Bite you like a snake/And then forsake and break/Everything I don’t take before I am done.” The chorus itself is lyrically the heart of this song. But it’s the lyrical delivery of the chorus that makes it really hit. It’s almost a rap style delivery, for lack of better wording. Just hearing Shooter deliver the chorus in this manner is impressive. It’s something that audiences have rarely heard from him. Set against the rest of the song it simply stands out and makes the song that much more enjoyable.

Shooter shows more of his outlaw country side in the album’s opener. But he doesn’t stay in his safe zone on this record. He branches out, showing quite the mix of influences time and again. Just one example of that bag of musical influences is the album’s lead single, ‘The Dollar & The Deed.’ Jennings’ vocal style set against the music makes for an interesting combination of Bob Dylan meets Kenny Rogers mixed with a modern country love song. Stylistically speaking, Jennings’ vocal style in ‘The Deed & The Dollar’ invokes images of Bob Dylan. Coming from a musical standpoint, this song is classic country all the way. One of the best comparisons that can be made is to the likes of Kenny Rogers. Lyrically, the song is a good fit for any happy couple or hopeful happy couple to be. He sings, “She’s got a special way/Makes me happy every day/What do the old folks say…When I feel alone/She reminds me that there’s always tomorrow/I kinda wonder if she knows/My sun comes up/Just to hear her call.” If that’s not the basis for a romance, it’s anyone’s guess what is. And with Valentine’s Day already right around the corner, this would make for a fitting song to set a romantic mood.

Shooter gets soft at times on his new album. But he also shows that he’s got that outlaw still in him later in the album in the song, ‘Family Tree.’ This is not just country. It’s pure outlaw country and is bound to become one of his biggest hits with fans both on the album in live. He sings in this song, “We’re southern by God/Our name is mud/We’ve got each other’s backs/Cause we’ve got the same blood/Let the stock market crash/Cause we’ll always be free/We may be trash/But we’re family.” Simply put, this is an anthem for Shooter’s fans. It will light a fire under his fans and have them singing along and pumping their fists with pride at every one of his shows. And it’s just one more example of that makes this new album yet another success from one of this generation’s greatest all around musicians.

Durham, North Carolina’s own Delta Rae has announced that it has been selected to perform at the Democratic national Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina next Thursday, September 6th. The convention will be at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. Delta Rae will join music icon James Taylor as one of the convention’s performing acts before President Obama’s nomination acceptance speech. DNC CEO Steve Kerrigan spoke on Delta Rae being added to the convention’s performer roster. “Highlighting such amazing talent from North Carolina as part of the entertainment at the convention’s closing event is just one way that convention organizers are working to bring the flavor of North Carolina to all Americans,” he said. He added, “Whether you’re one of the tens of thousands who received community credentials to attend this historic event in person, or tuning in remotely, you will have a taste of the wonderful region that is home to this year’s convention.”

Courtesy: Warner Brothers Records

Delta Rae member Ian Holljes shared his thoughts on being selected as part of the convention and on President Obama’s accomplishments during his first term in office. He said, “Watching Barack Obama win election to the presidency in 2008 was one of the most affirming and exciting moments of my life as an American. I am so thrilled to think what he can accomplish in a second term and I couldn’t be more humbled that Delta Rae’ music will be a part of ushering in that great hope.” He expressed his support for Obama, saying, “We seem to be at a tipping point for so many important movements. Marriage equality, women’s rights, and the protection of the middle class among them – and I believe President Obama’s continued leadership is essential to landing on the right side of history on these issues.”

Holljes’ brother–and fellow Delta Rae band member—Eric noted the importance of the youth vote in this year’s election. He said, “There are currently so many issues being discussed and decisions being made in Washington that are going to drastically affect me and my generation. I truly hope, as young people, we stand up in this election and let our collective voice be heard.”

One of the songs on the band’s debut album, “Carry The Fire”, tackles the issue of North Carolina’s gay marriage ban. ‘Chain on Love’ was a response to Prop 8. Audiences can check out the video for ‘Chain on Love’ online at http://youtu.be/qnd9ylWsfRA. Audiences can also check out the video for the album’s lead single, ‘Bottom Of The River’ online at http://youtu.be/bimam2j2gEg. And to check out a medley of the band’s songs on Warner Sound go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ_JqRcU9YA.